Probably a dumb question, but I needs to have the AC recharged in my '98 F-150XL. I have no idea what type of AC system I have other than the non-cooling kind. What do I need to do to resolve this issue. It's getting warmer here in Houston and I don't want to wait too much longer.

Thanks

 

You have the R 134A. Are they running AC specials in your area? I would have someone do a pressure check on it first.

 

since its a 98 you have the R134a, which is avaliable at most auto parts store and pretty cheep, you can also get it off ebay, or can have it done for you. What you want to do is find the low side service port should be blue or have an L on it, it could also be coming or be near like a circular canister or ussually on the opposide side of the compresser, ussually the tools dont fit the high side put check the pressure first on the low side should be at 30psi with ac on and engine running, probally wont be in your case since your not getting ac, anyways with the engine running and ac on high connect the refregerant bootle to the low side of the ac if you dont want to get a gauge you can tell its full when the pipe that your filling gets cold and begins to sweat then its full. YOu can get a kit with the gauge and r134 for probally like 20 bucks...sound confusing might just be the way i explained it but the bottle will tell you how if you dont understand what i said....hers advanced auto parts i would get this one http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...egoryCode=3571 or if you want to save a few bucks get http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...egoryCode=3571
but if you get the one with not top make sure you get the connectors, you might need more than one can depending on how low you system is, i would start off buying the first link and if you use all that buy the second link, put you want to be getting a 30 psi reading with the compressor on!! you can even do it in the parking lot at the auto parts store thats how quike and ez it is

 

sorry those links did not work here they are you want the second one first


http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...egoryCode=3571

http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...egoryCode=3571

 

ok for some reason its not working, click any of the links on the left you will see under Shop by Category click Chemicals & Fluids, then ac then Refrigerants you first want Interdynamics MAC134
Refrigerant: R134A Measure/Recharge Kit With Leak Sealer & Cleaner; 19 oz. and if thats not enough get Interdynamics SD134
Refrigerant: EZ Charge Auto Air Conditioner 134a Refrigerant and Oil with Leak Sealer; 14 oz. or if not that one get the can and get the adapter so you can hookit up

 

Before you use any sealer in your system, maybe you should read this article from Motor Magazine showing how an A/C system can be screwed up and be very expensive to repair after using a sealer.

It's kinda long, but worth reading.

 

THANK YOU 94van!!!! This is my business and you dont want to add anything to the system except for refigerant!!! The only correct way to stop a leak is to repair it Although if this is the first time you have had to add refrigerant if it was mine I would top off the system and see how long it continues to work. If it stops cooling before the summer is over you would be wise to press. test the system and repair the hose,fitting,or seal witch ever it may be. The most common thing I see is a loose fitting. You can also look for the sign of a leak yourself by finding the compressor under the hood and following the hoses. The system also has oil in it and if you have a large leak you should be able to spot it by the oil or the spot will have oil filled dust and dirt around it If you dont find any signs of this than go to Wally World and buy the kit with the gauge. You do not want to charge the system blind!! You can damage the system beyond repair that way The best way with out getting too tech. is to find the filter drier it is the alluminum canister back by the fire wall and as you charge feel it and when it becomes abou 3/4 of the way up cold you are close enough!
Sory I get a little worked up about this their is sooooo much bad info out there on this subject!!!
I hope I have helped
Take Care and good luck
Jasontrucks